Top Ten Free Activities In Kyoto

Top Ten Free Activities In Kyoto

By Tom Fay, author of Must-See Japan http://www.thomasfay.com

The undoubted culture capital of Japan, Kyoto is always high on the agenda for most visitors to the country. But with so many temples, shrines, gardens, historic buildings and other attractions dotted around Kyoto?s varied and distinctive districts, it can be difficult to decide where to spend your precious time (and yen).

So in no particular order, here are ten of the best places to visit in Kyoto where you don?t have to spend a single penny!
1. Fushimi Inari Shrine

A favourite of Instagramers everywhere, Fushimi Inari is that famous and photogenic Shinto shrine with countless red torii gates lining the woodland paths. It can be crowded at times, but the further up the mountain you walk, the less people you?ll see. Known as the god of rice, Inari used foxes as messengers, so stay on the lookout for the many kitsune (fox) sculptures which are dotted around.
2. Arashiyama

A pretty district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a great place to spend an afternoon, whether it be strolling along the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge or exploring the bamboo groves and picturesque streets to the north of the river. If you?re willing to spend a few yen, there is a great hilltop monkey park to visit (with stunning vistas of Kyoto) while for those with a sweet tooth, a myriad of shops serve a wide range of delicious traditional sweets.
3. Nishiki Market

Sample the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional market, right in the heart of Kyoto. Over 100 small stalls, shops and restaurants are packed into this relatively compact area, offering everything from macha mochi to pickled vegetables and black soy bean tea, and a lot of the vendors offer free samples, so it needn?t hurt your wallet. What?s more, many of the goods on offer are local delicacies which you won?t find anywhere else!
4. The Kamogawa River
Winding through the city from north to south, the Kamogawa is a great place to spend a few peaceful hours people watching. People picnic on the banks, white cranes fish in the shallows, and young couples cavort by the riverside. During cherry blossom season it is particularly beautiful, and during winter the river has a biting brilliance. There are paths on either side of the river too, so it provides a scenic way to cross the city whilst avoiding the sometimes busy roads and traffic.
5. The Philosopher?s Walk

Running for 2km from Ginkakuji to Nanzenji, the Philosopher?s Walk was made famous by the philosopher Nishida Kitaro who was said to meditate along this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University. The stone path runs alongside a picturesque canal which is lined with cherry trees, so during cherry blossom season it becomes one of the most popular places to see the blossom, but also makes for a pleasant stroll at any time of year.
6. The Higashiyama District
One of the city?s best preserved historic areas, the stone-paved streets, traditional wooden buildings and old fashione...

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